Modi Blocks Biggest Electoral Reform?

Reports are emerging that the Central government has shot down one of the most radical electoral reform proposed by the Election Commission of India. ECI sent a proposal to the Law Ministry seeking permanent legal powers to cancel elections in case there is credible evidence of voters being bribed.

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But then the Law Ministry turned down the proposal and it was communicated to the EC through a letter dated September 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is off late talking about the role of Money in elections and said it as one of the reasons for the Notes Ban. But then at the same time blocked this important reform.

Section 58A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empowers the election watchdog to adjourn or cancel elections in case of booth-capturing. The Election Commission is asking the government to amend the act to bring a new section to enable it to take similar action if voters of a constituency are bribed by political parties.